Addiction Studies, CAS

Contact

Dessa Bergen-Cico, Coordinator Addiction Studies Programs in Public Health
444C White Hall
315-443-0250
dkbergen@syr.edu

Core Faculty

Dessa Bergen-Cico, James Byrne, Ignatius Ijere

Staff

Judi Emmi, Administrative Assistant

Susan Scholl, Internship Coordinator

Melinda Stoffel, Office Coordinator

Description

The 24-credit hour Certificate of Advanced Studies (CAS) in Addiction Studies provides an intensive concentration of coursework on the biology, psychology and cross-cultural sociology of addictions for students enrolled in these Syracuse University graduate programs:

M.S. Clinical Mental Health Counseling (School of Education)
Ph.D. Counseling and Counselor Education (School of Education)
M.A. Marriage and Family Therapy (Falk College)
M.S.W. Social Work (Falk College)

The CAS in Addiction Studies addresses one of society’s major problems and helps students develop core competencies in preparation for employment in a number of fields dealing with substance abuse, gambling, and related behavioral addictions. Students are exposed to evidence-based practices and may subsequently apply their courses toward their professional fields to expand employment and placement opportunities. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, substance abuse and behavioral disorder counselors are one of the fastest-growing fields of practice today.

Upon completion of the program, students meet the NY State Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services (NYS OASAS) education training requirements as a Credentialed Alcohol and Substance Abuse Counselor in Training (CASAC-T); and be eligible to sit for the Credentialed Alcohol and Substance Abuse Counselor (CASAC) exam. OASAS requires supervised post-graduate work experience before full certification is awarded. Students seeking credentialing in states other than New York must contact the specific credentialing office for that state.

Admissions

Internal applications only accepted from the following SU programs: M.S. Clinical Mental Health Counseling (School of Education); Ph.D. Counseling and Counselor Education (School of Education); M.A. Marriage and Family Therapy (Falk College); M.S.W. Social Work (Falk College). Requirements include matriculated status in one of the Syracuse University graduate programs named above, official transcript, personal statement and 2 letters of recommendation (one of which must be an academic references; the other may be a professional reference)

Eligibility requirement: To be awarded a CAS, a student must be matriculated in the certificate program for at least one semester. Matriculation may not be backdated.

Part-Time Study

Part-time study is acceptable; however, time to degree completion depends on available course offerings and number of courses enrolled. Time limit to degree completion is 7 years.

Financial Support

Students only enrolled in a CAS program are not eligible for department financial aid. Additional information regarding loan availability for CAS programs can be found at https://graduateadmissions.syr.edu/funding/

Gainful Employment Disclosure

For more information about our CAS graduation rates, the median debt of students who completed the program, and other important information, please visit Syracuse University Gainful Employment Disclosure page (https://www.syracuse.edu/about/consumer-information/gainful-employment/) and click the title of the CAS.

Transfer Credits

A maximum of three credits from a combination of transfer and/or external examinations/extra-institutional and experiential learning will be accepted toward a CAS.

Degree

CAS, 24 credits

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the program, students will be able to:

1. Assess the biological, behavioral, psychological, and social effects of psychoactive substances on individuals, their significant others, and their communities.

2. Apply knowledge, ethics, and skills required for working in addiction treatment and prevention.

3. Examine addictions in the context of public health and harm reduction.

4. Assess the potential for substance-use disorders and addictive behaviors to co-exist with mental health conditions.

5. Utilize cognitive and behavioral strategies in individual and group contexts.

6. Utilize epidemiological data to assess needs, and identify risk and protective factors to support culturally relevant drug prevention and education.

7. Demonstrate proficiency in clinical assessment treatment and after care programs tailored to individuals with substance use disorders and addictive behaviors.

Required Courses (12 credits)

HTW 618 - Alcohol, Other Drugs, Sex and Gambling: Dynamics of Addiction 3 credit(s)
HTW 606 - Clinical Evaluation and Assessment of Addictions 3 credit(s)
HTW 609 - The Impact of Addictions on Families and Relationships 3 credit(s)
HTW 610 - Addictions Treatment Planning and Referral 3 credit(s)

Choose 1 From This Category List (3 credits)

HTW 608 - Addictions in Cultural Context 3 credit(s)
HTW 612 - Global Perspectives in Alcohol & Other Drug Policies 3 credit(s)
COU 675 - Substance Abuse Counseling 3 credit(s)
SWK 781 - Alcohol and Other Drugs in Social Work Practice 3 credit(s)

Choose 1 From This Category List (3 credits)

SWK 628 - Human Diversity in Social Contexts 3 credit(s)
MFT 684 - Family Therapy Perspectives on Cultural Diversity 3 credit(s)
COU 626 - Social and Cultural Dimensions of Counseling 3 credit(s)
HTW 605 - Cognitive Behavioral Approaches to Stress Reduction 3 credit(s)

Choose 1 From This Category List (3 credits)

MFT 724 - Psychopathology 3 credit(s)
HTW 607 - Motivational Interviewing for Behavioral Change 3 credit(s)

Choose 1 From This Category List (3 credits)

HTW 636 - Ethics in Addiction Services 3 credit(s)
MFT 681 - Marriage and Family Therapy Ethics and Issues 3 credit(s)

Satisfactory Progress

Certification for an advanced degree at Syracuse University requires a minimum average of 3.0 for work comprising the program for the degree and a 2.8 average for all credits earned.